The Kneecap

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure aligns the knee joint so the healthy part of the knee surface is able to do more weight-bearing. This takes pressure off the damaged part. Damage is often due to
osteoarthritis
. This surgery may be done instead of a
total knee replacement
.
It may also be done to correct poor knee alignment for other reasons.

While osteotomy does not cure conditions like osteoarthritis, the surgery may:

Reduce pain

Improve movement

Delay further damage to the joint

Postpone the need for total knee replacement surgery

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Infection

Poor healing of the bone

Excess bleeding

Swelling

Blood clots

Shortening of the leg

Injuries to nerves or blood vessels

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Description of the Procedure

There are many methods that can be used to perform an osteotomy. In one method, imaging technology is used to measure the piece of bone that will be removed. A cut is made in the skin from the knee cap to the top of the shinbone. Several thin wires are placed in the knee to serve as guides, showing where the bone should be cut. An oscillating saw is used to remove the bone wedge. The remaining parts of the bone will be held together with staples, screws, or a plate and screws. The tissue will be stitched together and the area will be closed.

How Long Will It Take?

1-3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. You will have pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medication to help manage pain.

Average Hospital Stay

You may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, you will be taken to recovery and monitored closely. The staff may:

Medication to:

Reduce pain

Prevent infection

Prevent blood clots

Place padded bandages over the incision sites

Apply ice to reduce swelling

Give you a splint or brace to hold the knee in the right position

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

At Home

To help ensure a smooth recovery at home, take these steps:

Start working with a physical therapist once you are instructed to. The therapist will focus on balance, range-of-motion, and strength training.

Maintain a healthy weight after surgery.

Follow your doctor's instructions.

You will need to return to the doctor to have your cast removed or to have x-rays taken. Full recovery can take 6 months.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Swelling, redness, or pain in your legs, calves, or feet

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Nausea and vomiting

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Your leg, foot, or toes appear chalky white, blue, or black

Numbness or tingling in your leg, foot, or toes

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

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